The highly anticipated Painted Tree residential community in McKinney, Texas, continues its remarkable progression, evolving into a beacon of modern master-planned living. McKinney, a city consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S., provides an ideal backdrop for a visionary project like Painted Tree. Its strategic location, robust economic growth, and commitment to preserving natural beauty resonate perfectly with the ethos of a master-planned community. Painted Tree is not merely a collection of residences; it is a meticulously crafted ecosystem designed to foster a vibrant sense of belonging, promote outdoor activity, and provide diverse living arrangements for a broad spectrum of residents. The latest significant milestone in its journey underscores this commitment, introducing an innovative residential offering designed to meet the dynamic needs of today’s housing market.
In a strategic move that further diversifies Painted Tree’s residential landscape, Avanta Residential, a prominent Denver-based firm specializing in single-family rental properties, recently announced a significant acquisition. The company has secured 27 acres within the Painted Tree development to construct a state-of-the-art build-to-rent neighborhood. This ambitious project will feature 276 thoughtfully designed homes and townhomes, providing a fresh and flexible housing solution for individuals and families seeking the benefits of a master-planned community without the long-term commitment of homeownership.
The emergence of the build-to-rent model is a direct response to prevailing economic and social trends that have reshaped the housing landscape. Traditional single-family homeownership has become increasingly challenging for many, with median home prices surging across the nation. Concurrently, the rental market, including both apartments and single-family homes, has also experienced substantial price increases, pushing prospective residents to seek alternative living arrangements that offer both quality and value. This housing solution appeals to a diverse demographic, including young professionals seeking flexibility without the burdens of homeownership, families desiring more space and a backyard but not ready to commit to a mortgage, and even empty nesters looking to downsize to a maintenance-free lifestyle within an amenity-rich environment. It offers the privacy and square footage typically associated with a single-family home, coupled with the conveniences of professional property management, landscaping, and access to shared community amenities – a compelling proposition in today’s fast-evolving housing market.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, in particular, has witnessed robust growth and demand, contributing significantly to these market pressures. This context makes the introduction of Avanta Residential’s build-to-rent community a timely and welcome addition to McKinney’s housing options, offering a distinct alternative to traditional home purchases or standard apartment rentals. Data from leading real estate analytics firms further illustrates these market dynamics. A recent CoreLogic report highlighted a substantial increase in single-family rental homes, which saw an impressive rise of over 11 percent nationwide in the past year. Similarly, a Zillow report focusing on the Dallas-Fort Worth area revealed that average apartment rents climbed by a significant 12.4 percent year-over-year. These figures underscore a broader trend: a competitive and rapidly appreciating housing market that makes flexible and amenity-rich rental options increasingly attractive. The build-to-rent model, offering the space and privacy often associated with single-family homes combined with the convenience and professional management of rental properties, is perfectly positioned to address this growing demand, making it a pivotal component of Painted Tree’s diverse offering.
The Avanta project marks a significant first for Painted Tree, as it represents the community’s inaugural dedicated rental development. This innovative neighborhood is a collaborative effort by Dallas-based Oxland Advisors and New York-based JEN Partners, both renowned for their extensive expertise in crafting exceptional master-planned communities. The inclusion of a build-to-rent component ensures that Painted Tree caters to an even broader demographic, from young professionals and growing families to empty nesters, all seeking a premium living experience with varied tenure options that align with their personal and financial goals. This strategic partnership reinforces the community’s vision for holistic development.
Residents of the new Avanta community within Painted Tree will enjoy an impressive array of dedicated amenities designed to enhance their lifestyle and foster a strong sense of community. Imagine starting your day with a tranquil yoga session on the dedicated lawn, followed by a refreshing dip in the resort-style swimming pool, complete with private poolside cabanas for ultimate relaxation. The robust fitness center allows residents to maintain their health routines conveniently, while the elegant club room and expansive covered outdoor great room serve as perfect venues for entertaining friends, hosting community events, or simply unwinding after a long day. These carefully curated spaces are designed not just for individual enjoyment but to cultivate strong social bonds and a genuine sense of neighborhood, fostering an environment where connections flourish. Beyond these exclusive facilities, Avanta residents will also benefit from access to expansive green spaces, charming pocket parks for leisurely strolls, and convenient electric vehicle charging stations, reflecting a commitment to modern living and sustainability. Construction is slated to commence in November, with the first homes anticipated to be ready for occupancy by mid-2023, promising a swift realization of this exciting new chapter for Painted Tree.
Jim Dobbie, President of Avanta Residential, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration, stating, “With this acquisition, Avanta continues its focus to work with best-in-class master-planned community developers and top-tier land developers in the U.S.” This statement highlights Avanta’s commitment to partnering with industry leaders like Oxland Advisors and JEN Partners, ensuring that their build-to-rent communities are seamlessly integrated into meticulously designed and highly desirable environments. Their presence within Painted Tree not only elevates the community’s appeal but also reinforces its reputation as a comprehensive and forward-thinking development, capable of attracting top-tier partners who share a vision for excellence and innovation.
Echoing this sentiment, Tom Woliver, co-president of Oxland Group, expressed his firm’s enthusiasm for welcoming Avanta into the Painted Tree master plan. “Avanta brings a well-designed program that aligns with the Painted Tree vision of providing a wide range of housing options and a high level of amenities that today’s consumer is demanding,” Woliver commented. This alignment of visions is crucial; Painted Tree was conceived as a community that would offer diverse housing solutions and unparalleled amenities from its inception. Avanta’s build-to-rent concept perfectly complements this ethos, expanding the spectrum of housing choices available while upholding the high standards of quality and lifestyle that define the entire Painted Tree development. The partnership ensures that every resident, whether an owner or a renter, can experience the exceptional environment Painted Tree is cultivating, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive community.
Painted Tree itself was first unveiled in October 2020 by the Oxland Group, conceptualized as a sprawling 3,400-home, 1,100-acre development. From its initial announcement, the community aimed to provide accessible yet luxurious living, with homes starting near the $300,000s. The overarching vision for Painted Tree extends far beyond mere housing units; it’s about creating a vibrant, interconnected community deeply intertwined with its natural surroundings. This includes a robust infrastructure of trails, open spaces, and thoughtfully designed neighborhoods that promote connectivity and well-being. The initial planning focused on laying the groundwork for a sustainable and thriving environment, establishing the foundation upon which subsequent phases and partnerships, like that with Avanta Residential, would build and flourish, creating a legacy community for McKinney.
The dedication to an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle is a cornerstone of Painted Tree’s appeal. In June, the Oxland Group announced an impressive expansion of the community’s already extensive trail system, adding an additional 25 miles of paths and trails. This commitment means residents will have unparalleled access to nature, perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, and simply enjoying the serene landscape, fostering a healthier, more connected lifestyle. Such extensive trail networks are a significant draw for homebuyers and renters alike, promoting physical well-being, mental rejuvenation, and a deep connection to the environment – core tenets of the Painted Tree experience. Furthermore, in July, Oxland confirmed that 1,200 of its residential homesites would be delivered in the project’s highly anticipated first phase, with a projected opening in 2022. This phased approach ensures a steady and quality-controlled development, allowing the community to mature organically. Adding to the public benefit, the City of McKinney demonstrated its support and commitment to the project by announcing its purchase of 230 acres within Painted Tree, designated for a future public park. This invaluable addition will not only serve Painted Tree residents but also the wider McKinney community, providing expansive recreational opportunities and preserving vital green space for generations to come, further solidifying Painted Tree’s integration into the city’s fabric and long-term vision.
An Unconventional Approach: But What About the Goats?
In a truly memorable and environmentally conscious demonstration of its commitment to sustainable development, Painted Tree held an unconventional yet highly effective “groundbreaking” ceremony in June. Eschewing traditional heavy machinery and golden shovels, Tom Woliver, co-president of Oxland Group, spearheaded a unique land-clearing initiative by deploying a herd of 100 goats onto an 11.5-acre parcel of land within Painted Tree. This innovative approach served to efficiently clear thick underbrush, marking the official commencement of site preparation in a manner that garnered significant attention and praise from both local residents and environmental advocates.
The decision to utilize goats for land clearing was not merely a publicity stunt; it was a deliberate choice rooted in profound ecological principles and a strong desire to minimize environmental impact. Goats are natural, highly efficient grazers, capable of navigating challenging terrain and consuming dense vegetation, including invasive species, without the need for harmful chemicals or disruptive heavy equipment. This method significantly reduces noise pollution, eliminates air pollution from machinery exhausts, mitigates soil erosion, and lessens the risk of wildfires, making it an ideal solution for preparing land in an eco-sensitive manner. Moreover, as the goats clear the land, their waste naturally fertilizes the soil, contributing to its health and future growth, promoting biodiversity. This innovative practice aligns perfectly with Painted Tree’s broader vision of creating a community that lives in harmony with its natural surroundings, emphasizing sustainable practices throughout its entire development lifecycle, from initial clearing to final landscaping.
Woliver articulated the philosophy behind this pioneering initiative, stating, “There’s no better way to have a minimal impact than bringing in goats to do the hard work.” He further elaborated on the symbolic significance, remarking, “This is our ceremonial groundbreaking. So, in lieu of suits and gold shovels, we’re here with about 100 goats.” This statement encapsulated the spirit of Painted Tree: a blend of innovative development with a deep respect for nature. The goats became an emblem of the community’s ethos, showcasing a creative and sustainable solution to a common development challenge. This unique event wasn’t just a quirky start; it was a powerful statement, setting a precedent for the sustainable and innovative spirit that permeates the entire Painted Tree development. It underscored the Oxland Group’s commitment to thoughtful land stewardship and resonated deeply with a growing demographic of eco-conscious consumers. The ‘goats’ story quickly became synonymous with Painted Tree’s brand, showcasing a development that prioritizes environmental responsibility while delivering a modern, amenity-rich lifestyle. It established a distinct identity, signaling that Painted Tree is not just another development, but a forward-thinking community where natural harmony and innovative solutions coexist, captivating the imagination of all who hear its story.